access for all

competition, first prize 2025

our concept shifts the focus by 90 degrees to what already exists. statues and columns are moved from schillerplatz to the entrance on makartgasse, which is already barrier-free today. the surrounding street space is traffic-calmed, wheelchair-accessible flooring is introduced, and the porter’s lodge is relocated to the new main entrance.

in this way, access is directed towards an entrance accessible to all, also integrating the inner courtyards into the natural flow of people. the monumental axis from vienna’s ringstrasse to schillerplatz is broken through the reorientation of the academy. the new main entrance emphasizes the building while bidding farewell to its prominent museum character. what was once meant to be hidden comes to the fore as a democratic utility space.

from the inside out, a new meeting place emerges: the steps of the former main entrance give way to an open terrace, a freely accessible place for students and teachers, overlooking schillerplatz and the cafeteria. in this way, the people of the academy become part of the magnificent façade, not symbols of the past, but an expression of an open, inclusive future.

project with clara rummer and sebi seib
exhibited during rundgang at the academy of fine arts vienna, 2025

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